New electric vehicle becomes first car without a rear window to launch in the UK - 'Step towards a new era'

Polestar, the Swedish performance electric vehicle brand, has opted to roll its new car out without a rear window, choosing instead to install a digital rear-view "mirror".

This has been shown to offer drivers a much broader view to the rear of the vehicle and improve night-time visibility, in addition to improving space in the back of the car.

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The rear view "mirror" uses a high-definition screen that shows a real-time feed from a roof-mounted rear camera, allowing for a far wider field of view than normal.

Data from Polestar found that drivers are concerned about how little they can see through their back window, with one in five saying the rear-view mirror doesn't provide as much visibility as they would like.

A further 28 per cent said the view out of the back of the car is blocked by passengers, headrests and other items, although 24 per cent are hesitant to ask passengers to move out of the way.

In light of the new Polestar 4 and its rear-view "mirror", four in 10 Britons say they believe that technological improvements like cameras are beneficial for driver visibility.

Commenting on the new Polestar 4, Product Manager Ola Aldensjö, said: "This isn’t just innovation for the sake of innovation.

"There are genuine motivations for taking this decision. Firstly, we are able to provide an improved line of sight for the driver. The rear camera provides a much clearer picture of what’s going on behind the vehicle.

"This is also true for conditions that are usually problematic for the driver, such as when the light isn’t great or if it’s raining. The clarity is exceptional."

The Polestar 4 can travel from 0-60mph in just 3.7 seconds, charge from 10-80 per cent battery in 30 minutes and can fully charge using a home device in as little as 5.5 hours.

Polestar has suggested that more manufacturers may choose to remove the rear window in favour of a digital display once drivers see the benefits of enhanced visibility.

The Gothenburg-based brand highlighted how the Polestar 4 could be a "step towards a new era of car design where traditional elements are reimagined" to improve driver safety and the overall experience of being on the roads.

Aldensjö added: "Secondly, not having a rear window really opens up the space for passengers. In the back of the car, it’s a completely different experience now - think business class meets executive lounge.

"It's about using technology to bring about meaningful change. And in that way, this departure from the past somewhat resembles those racers of the early 20th century.

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"So, here's to racing driver Ray Harroun, who introduced the rear view mirror to the world. Your legacy is in good hands."